Santa!
Last week, while still in the hospital, Sofia asked when she was going to take her picture with Santa. I reminded her that Santa came to the hospital but she said she wanted to see him at the mall. Going to the mall with her sounded like the worst idea, ever! But, I needed to find a way. Stanford seemed ideal since it is outdoors, but it's right next to the hospital and we can't be near that construction. I decided to call Valley Fair. I spoke to someone in customer service and explained to them that Sofia has a compromised immune system and I was hoping to be the first person to see Santa for the day so we could get in and out quickly with minimal germ exposure. She said she needed to make a call and she would call me back. I recieved a call an hour later letting me know that they were going to bring Santa in early, before the mall opens, for us. And, they wanted to pay for our pictures. I was so appreciative and we set it up for 7:45am Wednesday (today). I later recieved an email letting me know that I should just pull up and they would valet our car. Again, so nice! So last night we told Sofia that we were going to see Santa in the morning. She was so excited! After the news we had just recieved it was a good distraction for us as well. This morning at 7am there was a knock on the door and outside was a stretch limo to pick us up!! Or as Sofia called it "our fancy car". Turns out the valet company at the mall made this happen. Our driver, Rob, took us to the mall and we went in to an empty Valley Fair. Anusha, who works for the mall, was there to take care of us. We took pictures and chatted with Santa. Sofia even recieved a gift from Santa. Once we got our pictures, Anusha escorted us to Build A Bear where they had sanitized the store and let her build any animal she wanted, all compliments of Westfield Valleyfair. As if all of this wasn't enough, they also gave Sofia a gift card to use anywhere in the mall. We were blown away!! It was such a special morning for all of us. Attached are pics from our morning.
Comments (12)
Gina this is such a heart warming series of enjoyable events for Sofia. I'm so glad she was well enough to enjoy all of these great gifts given to a little warrior who just wanted to see Santa at the mall. My hat is off to all of those who gave so generously to full fill a little girls Christmas wish.
I am sobbing walking down the street reading this! There are so many good, kind people in this world! I want to hug every single one of those special people and thank them for being so good to precious Sofia and her amazing family. Thank you for this post, G. Love you all so much!!!!
AMAZING!!! So many generous people in this world and it just touches my heart!!! You deserve it and Sofia especially. What a great post to read as I get ready to go to sleep.. prayers for you all! xo
I'm with the Lawrence Stefanelli Family!!! I'm sobbing as I read your post! Amazing people of Valley Fair should be commended for this beautiful act of kindness. Sofia will never forget this special visit with Santa! Love and prayers for you continue from the Caetano/Laws family...
What a wonderful story! So appropriate for the time of season. Merry Christmas Sofia!!
Love the beautiful pictures - what a special time and memory for all of you. Baby Michael is incredibly beautiful little boy and Sophia looks very happy! Enjoy the holidays - our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. The Punians
WOW! This made me cry!! What a wonderful experience for Sofia. Merry Christmas to you all. LOVE the pictures!! xoxoxo
Wow!! How special for Sofia her own private time with Santa! It will be a day she will never forget!
This is the MOST Awesome story I have heard all year! There ARE wonderful people in the world aren't there? I'm soo happy for sweet Sofia and your family. What a treat. The pictures are adorable and you are a family so deserving of this. Thank you for sharing with us. Luv you, G
This is a wonderful story. We are so happy for Sophia. She is in our thoughts and prayers daily. God Bless you all. Love Jim and Gail DiBenedetto
Wow, this is an experience you & Sofia will never forget! How kind for Westfield Mall & all involved to go out of their way to make this so special for Sofia! This brought tears to my eyes. Our prayers are continuous for the best to happen to your little girl. Love the pictures! Love, Jim & Mary Jo Davis
Awesome!! I'm crying such a wonderful juster especially at this time of the year. We continue praying for Sofia & you both, loved the "Santa Picture". Hugs, Jolene & Ray Ledwith